When patients arrive at the emergency department (ED) agitated, aggressive and with potentially violent behaviour, it is paramount to find a way to address the situation quickly for the safety of patients and ED staff. Patients may be suffering from mental health crises, substance misuse, severe infections or trauma, and caring for them and other patients is a primary concern for ED staff. This randomized control trial investigates the use of intramuscular (IM) ketamine compared to current standard care medications for the rapid and safe control of patients in the ED who present to the ED with aggression or violent behaviour.

“We see patients presenting to the ED agitated, aggressive and with potentially violent behavior every day”, Dr. Barbic explains. “Intramuscular ketamine may provide a faster and safer way to provide sedation and behavior control to keep these patients and ED staff safe.”